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Indonesia begins Japan-funded expansion of capital's train network

Indonesian President Joko Widodo introduced building and construction on Wednesday for a brand-new line on Jakarta's mass fast transit (MRT) system, moneyed by a loan of nearly $1 billion from Japan, in a quote to relieve traffic blockage.

In some cases paralysed by some of the world's worst traffic jams, Jakarta is home to more than 10 million, but 3 times the number live in surrounding towns, and it introduced its very first MRT line in 2019.

Anticipated to be finished by 2031, the brand-new line will run 25 km (15 miles) between the city of Bekasi, on Jakarta's eastern border, to its west, Widodo stated in a statement.

The first line has transformed the face of Jakarta and Indonesia's transport, Widodo stated, adding that the brand-new line promised additional advantages.

In May, the Japan International Co-operation Firm stated it was providing a loan of 141 million yen ($ 998,000) for the task.

A JICA loan also moneyed the first MRT link, spanning 8 km

(source: Reuters)